Agenda item

The report of the Chief Executive is attached.

It was RESOLVED that:

(a)         the submission of a Freeport proposition paper to Government for the East Midlands, to include the Ratcliffe on Soar power station site, be endorsed, in principle; and

(b)         the Leader would provide a commitment of the Council’s support and agreement to the proposed Freeport for those areas for which Rushcliffe has statutory responsibility, including planning and business rates, to support the delivery of the proposal. As the Ratcliffe on Soar power station is not currently an allocated site within the Local Plan and the whole site is washed over by the greenbelt, the letter will give the Council’s support for the Freeport bid in this context, whilst not fettering its discretion and statutory duties as the local planning authority.

The Leader presented the report of the Chief Executive, providing an update on the East Midlands Freeport proposal.

The Leader referred to the Government consultation launched in February 2020, and outlined the work already undertaken in response to that process, including the establishment of a working group made up of key local stakeholders across the East Midlands, including Rushcliffe Borough Council. Cabinet was informed that on 17 November 2020, the Government had released a formalised prospectus, which stated that there would be a maximum of 10 Freeports across the country, and invited bids from local areas.  The Leader advised that the East Midlands’ formal proposal to the Government would involve two sites, at the airport, and more strategically for Rushcliffe, it would include the Ratcliffe on Soar power station site.  The significant economic benefits that a Freeport could bring to the area was reiterated, as a Freeport was a type of special economic zone that would create a favourable business environment.  Given the current economic situation, due to the pandemic, the importance of encouraging this proposal was reiterated. Cabinet was advised that within Freeports the customs process was simplified, and delayed the point when duties and taxes would be paid, and given the challenges ahead from Brexit, it was likely that Freeports would become more significant.  It was also noted that this proposition was being developed to align with the proposals for the Development Corporation.  The Leader referred to the challenges faced at the power station site, as the site was not allocated in the Council’s Local Plan, and it was designated as Green Belt, and the site would require careful management.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Edyvean reiterated the importance of this proposal at such a key, strategic site, to bring significant economic investment and employment to Rushcliffe, in conjunction with the work alongside the Development Corporation, and it was vital that the Council supported the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which was coordinating the bid.

Councillor Brennan welcomed the proposal, referred to its importance at such a crucial time, given the current pandemic, and stated that it was pleasing to note the cross party support for the future of the Ratcliffe on Soar site..

The Leader stated that it had been pleasing to see the East Midlands working together to produce a unique bid, for an inland site, which incorporated excellent transport links and infrastructure.  With the support from key partners, a strong bid would be put forward and it was hoped that it would be successful.

In response to a question from the Leader regarding the timeline for the response to the bids, the Chief Executive advised that the deadline for the submission of the bid was 5 February 2012, and that it was likely that it would be a couple of months before a decision was made.

It was RESOLVED that:

(a)         the submission of a Freeport proposition paper to Government for the East Midlands, to include the Ratcliffe on Soar power station site, be endorsed, in principle; and

(b)         the Leader would provide a commitment of the Council’s support and agreement to the proposed Freeport for those areas for which Rushcliffe has statutory responsibility, including planning and business rates, to support the delivery of the proposal. As the Ratcliffe on Soar power station is not currently an allocated site within the Local Plan and the whole site is washed over by the greenbelt, the letter will give the Council’s support for the Freeport bid in this context, whilst not fettering its discretion and statutory duties as the local planning authority.